U of Illinois OL transfering to NDSU

[Bison_Kent]

Here is the Forum link to the story on Tony Sparkman coming to NDSU. *He was one of two top recruits two years ago out of Minnesota and was redshirted last year for the Illini. *

http://www.in-forum.com/articles/index.cfm?id=80195&section=Sports

[BisonMav]

Great pickup for the O-Line.

[KTF]

That article is great but I wonder what position he will likely end up at?

[WYOBISONMAN]

Hopefully Sparkman will help keep a solid O-line so that the QB can play his game.....

[Gamehunter]

Wow, I was thinking our O-line might be a little down next year considering it was so dominant this year. But it looks like there will be plenty to fill the shoes in the next couple years if not right away.

[Bisonguy]

I think the line will be just fine. ;D 8)

The right side returns, and I hear NDSU has a pretty good O line coach.

[tony]

It's definitely going to be a rebuilding year for the offensive line. They have Buckwalter and Popowski back but still need a lot of guys to step up. Now, two or three years down the road... I think the offensive line depth should be very good.

Even though Sparkman was a top recruit for a Big 10 school, I'd be surprised if he jumped into a starting spot... pleasantly surprised. He probably just wants to get in, learn the system, and be just another freshman.

[IL_Bison]

Possibly Sparkman was a victim of bad timing as far as when he signed at Illinois. The Illini's 2003 recruiting class was loaded with top O-lineman...that group received alot of local media coverage in Champaign. Anyway, hopefully Sparkman fits in well at NDSU.